BMA gets tough over temple crematoriums

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has threatened to take action against temples using crematoriums that exceed its limits for pollutants.

We may impose fines and suspend the use of the crematoriums,” Injira Niyoomtoon said yesterday in her capacity as chief of the BMA’s Environmental Sanitation Division.

Some 310 temples in Bangkok have crematoriums, with each of them cremating between 10 and 15 bodies a month, she said. “Although most temples have switched to better crematoriums in recent times, we still receive complaints from local people,” Injira said, adding that in response to the complaints, the BMA would inspect crematoriums at the temples in question next month.

The crematoriums should not emit more than 100 milligrams of dust particles, more than 100 milligrams of carbon monoxide and more than 200 milligrams of sulphur dioxide per cubic metre of air when in use, she added.